Hacking Arm11 core 0 data abort, alignment fault

willhs

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I know there are several threads on arm11 exceptions, and mine is a different error. I've tried everything in those threads short of a motherboard replacement. I have updated to the latest of gm9, luma (I also tried downgrading luma to several previous versions in the 8s and 9s), and I'm using fastboot3ds (though prior to that I was using boot9strap and it still happened). The error appears to occur most easily on Triforce heroes, whether I'm using a CIA version OR the actual cartridge, and it happens if I try to do a lot of things quickly (almost like I'm overloading it). The summary of my error is:

Processor: ARM11 (core 0)
Exception type: data abort
Fault status: Alignment
Current Process: Alice

I can provide the crash dump data as well if that is helpful. If I need to replace my motherboard, then so be it, but I wanted to see if anyone has any other idea first. I was hopeful with the complete rewrite of arm11 in the very recent gm9 release, but it didn't help.

Thanks,
Will
 

willhs

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I'm sorry, I meant to post this in the custom firmwares section... it doesn't look like I can move it.
 
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This might not help, but that game is known to require a seed.

***

I don't think there's anything wrong with your motherboard. Some games are more prone to crashing on older series 3DS systems... Something about running better on extended memory.
 

willhs

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Thanks, but I unfortunately already tried that. I don’t think it’s a problem with the title itself since this also happens with the real game cartridge. Also, I am using a new 3ds.

The particular “Alignment” fault isn’t something I’ve seen reported by others so I don’t know what that means.
 
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Since we don't know what we're dealing with, be ready to put some effort.

Part I - Build a clean slate SD card setup.
  1. Taking a spare SD card, copy everything off it over to a computer.
    • The smaller the card, the better. Minimum card size should be 4 GB.
  2. Quadruple reformat.
  3. Full Write + Verify the empty card in H2testw. Do not skip.
    • Here's where having a small capacity helps.
    • :!: If hardware error was reported, replace the card and go back to step 1.
  4. Delete the *.h2w test files. Build a reference setup using this CFW starter kit.
    • Do not add back your main setup at this time.

Part II - Update the custom firmware and 3DS firmware.


4. Insert the SD card into 3DS, turn on the system, and hold (SELECT) button to access Luma3DS v9.1 configuration.
5. Press (START) and hold (START) to access Luma3DS chainloader. Switch back to boot9strap v1.3.
  • Updating B9S
  • You may revert to fastboot3ds v1.2 stable after testing is completed.
6. Update to Sys 11.10.0-43U firmware.
  • System Settings → Other Settings → System Update
  • -or- Recovery Mode

Part III - Find and install a good copy of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes (USA).

7. (On your own), acquire the *.3ds rom of this title with the CRC-32 hash of 4BD00877.
8. Convert the *.3ds rom into *.cia. Install with FBI.
9. Download and install the v1.01 update for the game.
  • While connect to WiFi, launch the games that require updates. Press (Y) Update and Download Now
  • If you get 009-2920 error code, delete the fake ticket and try again.
    • FBI → Tickets 0004000E00176F00 Delete Title And Ticket
10. Play the game. Report back whether or not the ARM11 error returns.
(to be continued)
About the test depending on outcome.

(A) If the 'Alignment' issue disappears, it's assumed there is something wrong with your main setup or main SD card.

-or-​
(B) If the issue reappears, the next thing to check would be the 3DS firmware. (Requires additional debugging steps).​
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,
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willhs

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That’s awesome, thanks. I will do all of this. It will probably take me some time, and then I will report back. Thank you.
 

willhs

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I did the first 2 sections, and instead of trying for a third time to re-download the rom I decided to rely on the cartridge of the game that I have (I figure this removes all variables with regard to the rom). It still crashes with the same error. I did two different types of CTRnand transfer, the one outlined in another of your posts, Mr. Poo, and I did the one within GM9 scripts. Interestingly, when I did the type of CTRnand transfer you discussed, I switched to a "translation error" from the "alignment error," so I followed instructions from a thread on this and I deleted the 00000000008f file from my SD card, and it switched back to being an alignment error.

I think this must be a problem with the alignment on the system memory itself, since the sd card was removed from the possibilities? Is it possible/feasible to re-write the system memory completely? I had hoped that a CTRtransfer would kind of do this.

Thanks,
Will
 
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I did the first 2 sections, and instead of trying for a third time to re-download the rom I decided to rely on the cartridge of the game that I have (I figure this removes all variables with regard to the rom). It still crashes with the same error. I did two different types of CTRnand transfer, the one outlined in another of your posts, Mr. Poo, and I did the one within GM9 scripts. Interestingly, when I did the type of CTRnand transfer you discussed, I switched to a "translation error" from the "alignment error," so I followed instructions from a thread on this and I deleted the 00000000008f file from my SD card, and it switched back to being an alignment error.

I think this must be a problem with the alignment on the system memory itself, since the sd card was removed from the possibilities? Is it possible/feasible to re-write the system memory completely? I had hoped that a CTRtransfer would kind of do this.

Thanks,
Will
For Section III in post #5, the reason I specifically instructed to install a scene leaked *.3DS copy of that game converted to *.CIA is because your *.3DS rom dumped from the gamecart could be a bad copy.

3DS gamecarts are known to go bad as can be seen for VinCool's Super Super Bros for 3DS at:
It's hard to make an educated diagnosis in what could be wrong with your setup if a single variable that's not accounted for can affect test results.

***

We're trying to figure out what this "Alignment" issue could be.
  • Bad installed copy of the game on the SD card.
  • RAM memory that hasn't cleared previous cache.
  • 3DS firmware and custom firmware.
  • Miscellaneous hardware damage.

***

You jumped ahead with the 3DS firmware repairs using CTRTransfer(s). Can't get any meaningful data if previous checklists in the process of elimination can't be trusted.
 
D

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For Section III in post #5, the reason I specifically instructed to install a scene leaked *.3DS copy of that game converted to *.CIA is because your *.3DS rom dumped from the gamecart could be a bad copy.

3DS gamecarts are known to go bad as can be seen for VinCool's Super Super Bros for 3DS at:
It's hard to make an educated diagnosis in what could be wrong with your setup if a single variable that's not accounted for can affect test results.

There is no reason to make these assumptions, considering that no-intro documents all of this stuff. It's only a matter of checking against their database.

https://datomatic.no-intro.org/?page=show_record&s=64&n=1365
 

willhs

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For Section III in post #5, the reason I specifically instructed to install a scene leaked *.3DS copy of that game converted to *.CIA is because your *.3DS rom dumped from the gamecart could be a bad copy.

3DS gamecarts are known to go bad as can be seen for VinCool's Super Super Bros for 3DS at:
It's hard to make an educated diagnosis in what could be wrong with your setup if a single variable that's not accounted for can affect test results.

***

We're trying to figure out what this "Alignment" issue could be.
  • Bad installed copy of the game on the SD card.
  • RAM memory that hasn't cleared previous cache.
  • 3DS firmware and custom firmware.
  • Miscellaneous hardware damage.

***

You jumped ahead with the 3DS firmware repairs using CTRTransfer(s). Can't get any meaningful data if previous checklists in the process of elimination can't be trusted.


If you think it’s absolutely necessary I will go back and do that, but as I pointed out I have already installed 2 separate CIAs of the game from separate sources, not from my game cart, along with playing directly from the cart and I get the identical error from all 3 different copies of the game. I have also wiped the save data in all 3 instances.
 
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If you think it’s absolutely necessary I will go back and do that, but as I pointed out I have already installed 2 separate CIAs of the game from separate sources, not from my game cart, along with playing directly from the cart and I get the identical error from all 3 different copies of the game. I have also wiped the save data in all 3 instances.
  1. Install the archiving program, 7-Zip.
  2. Calculate the hash for the *.3ds rom of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes (USA) that you dumped from your gamecart.
  3. Verify that the rom's hash matches these values as per @Ammako's linked site.
    • CRC32: 4BD00877
    • SHA-1: 454333FE6C5DE7BEBF6CF95A4F83EAA9073A5FAF
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,

willhs

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  1. Install the archiving program, 7-Zip.
  2. Calculate the hash for the *.3ds rom of The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes (USA) that you dumped from your gamecart.
  3. Verify that the rom's hash matches these values as per @Ammako's linked site.
    • CRC32: 4BD00877
    • SHA-1: 454333FE6C5DE7BEBF6CF95A4F83EAA9073A5FAF

Done, and both the CRC32 and SHA-1 match that exactly. I'm not trying to disagree with you on the approach here, btw, and I appreciate the help.
 
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Done, and both the CRC32 and SHA-1 match that exactly. I'm not trying to disagree with you on the approach here, btw, and I appreciate the help.

So I did some game play testing to see if I could somehow recreate your error.

My Setup
  • New 3DS XL
  • Sys 11.12.0-44U
  • boot9strap v1.3
  • Luma3DS v9.1 with these configuration settings.
    • I also tested with Luma3DS v10.0.1
  • Installed LoZ: Triforce Heroes (USA) *.3ds rom (4BD00877) converted to *.cia in GodMode9.
  • Also installed the accompanying v2.1.0 update.

Wow, my initial impression on the people of Hytopia is that they're a pretentious bunch, but that Madame Couture did give me a hearty chuckle. :rofl:

Madame Couture.png


Questions

1. How far in the game does one has to play to see this alignment error?
You mentioned this is most easily triggered if a lot of things (action?) are done quickly.
I got as far as beating the single player's first stage Deku Forrest without an issue, but game play load at that point may not be heavy enough.​

2. Is your system an o3DS or o3DSXL model?
I have an o2DS to test the game on.
Edit - You already mentioned New 3DS in post #4.​

***

The (current) checklist on what to test.
  • Bad installed copy of the game on the SD card.
  • RAM memory that hasn't cleared previous cache. ← PART IV
  • 3DS firmware and custom firmware.
  • Miscellaneous hardware damage.


PART IV - Clear cache that's stuck in the RAM.


8. Battery trick.
  • This probably should have been done much earlier back in PART I.
  • The typical reason to suggest this simple fix is when a 3DS doesn't boot to HOME Menu.
9. Play the game again. Report if the error returns.
(to be continued)

Outcome

(C) The alignment error goes away. Bad RAM, bad. Smack the o3DS underside for all your troubles.

-or-

(D) Ohh boy.. :O
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,

willhs

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Yeah the first stage doesn’t always cause the crash. I find it very easy to make it crash on the third stage of the first world, and yes the more actions I do it crashes faster.

I did the battery trick, and it unfortunately did not work. :-(. I might just be going crazy but instead of crashing directly to the arm11 exception screen, it goes black for 2 seconds first. Maybe that’s just my perception.
 
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Yeah the first stage doesn’t always cause the crash. I find it very easy to make it crash on the third stage of the first world, and yes the more actions I do it crashes faster.

I did the battery trick, and it unfortunately did not work. :-(. I might just be going crazy but instead of crashing directly to the arm11 exception screen, it goes black for 2 seconds first. Maybe that’s just my perception.

Checklist
  • Bad installed copy of the game on the SD card.
  • RAM memory that hasn't cleared previous cache.
  • 3DS firmware and custom firmware. ← Part V
  • Miscellaneous hardware damage.
:(

Because you went ahead earlier doing some of these with no improvements, I doubt much would change. Listing these steps out in how one comes to conclusion on the final bulletin point.

PART V - Repair or reflash the 3DS firmware.

10. Backup the currently (borked) SysNAND *.bin image.
11. When you first hacked your n3DS, 3ds.hacks.guide tells users to backup and keep a copy of their SysNAND *.bin image for softbrick safety. If you ever made and still have it, restore the 3DS firmware with that backup.
12. Update to the latest firmware 11.12.0-44U if required.
13. If the game is missing on HOME Menu, look for signs of missing tickets. Restore tickets with faketik.
14. Play the game to see if alignment error persists.​

***

Outcome
(D) The error finally goes away! The problem was the 3DS firmware.​
or
(E) No bueno. :/​

In either scenario, continue...

***

15. Restore the SysNAND with the image made in step 10.
16. Attempt firmware repair with CTRTransfer, system update to 11.12U, and ticket restore with faketik,
17. Play the game to see if alignment error persists.
At this point, if your n3DS still crashes, it ain't looking good.

18. Restore the SysNAND with the image made in step 10.
19. Attempt firmware repair again, but this time with CTRTransfer (Type D9) [use the version 1.4 script], etc.
20. Play the game to see if alignment error persists.​

***

Outcome
(F) Yay! Success!​
or
(G) I don't want to say we're beating a dead horse yet.
Hail Mary.

***

21. Try a simulated Format System Memory by doing this,
  1. GodMode9 → [1:] SYSNAND CTRNAND
  2. Hold (R)-shoulder and press (X) to rename the data folder to data2.
  3. Press (START) button to exit GodMode9.
  4. The 3DS should boot asking you to make a new user profile. Turn off the 3DS and boot back to GodMode9.
    • Don't bother making a dummy profile.
  5. Press (HOME) → scripts... CTRTransfer (Type D9) Bypass Profile Setup
  6. Exit the script. Press (START) to exit GodMode9 and boot HOME Menu.
22. Play the game to see if alignment error persists.
***

Outcome
(H) :)
or

(I) :(

***

23. Go back to GodMode9. Press (X) to delete the (dummy) data folder. Rename data2 back to data.​
 
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willhs

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Sorry it took me a while to get through all of it, and I even re-tried it to make sure, but unfortunately the error persists. Thanks for all of your help to this point. I probably need to get a new motherboard?
 
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Sorry it took me a while to get through all of it, and I even re-tried it to make sure, but unfortunately the error persists. Thanks for all of your help to this point. I probably need to get a new motherboard?
Checklist
  • Bad installed copy of the game on the SD card.
  • RAM memory that hasn't cleared previous cache.
  • 3DS firmware and custom firmware.
  • Miscellaneous hardware damage.

PART VI - Salvage, repair, or replace the n3DS.

SALVAGE

If the 'alignment error' happens to be caused by the NAND/eMMC chip (the internal flash storage that contains the 3DS firmware) going bad, you might be able to bypass this hardware fault by switching over to using EmuNAND (substitute using the SD card).

To create and use an EmuNAND,
  1. Make a copy of everything on the SD card over to a computer.
  2. GodMode9 → (HOME) button → More...SD format menuRedNAND size (min) → 32KB Clusters → ¦ ¦ → combo presses → <A> yes.
    • You can choose 64KB Clusters if the SD card capacity is 128 GB or bigger.
  3. Copy everything back from the computer after the SD card gets reformatted.
  4. Turn on the n3DS, hold (SELECT) button, and use these settings for Luma3DS v#.# configuration.
    • (x) Autoboot EmuNAND
    • (x) Show NAND or user string in System Settings
  5. HOME Menu → System Settings. Look for the Emu 11.12.0-44U string to know that the 3DS is now using EmuNAND.
    • Unless you continually transfer or update the SysNAND to match the EmuNAND, keep in mind that DSiWare and GBA VC games do not work under EmuNAND.
    • GodMode9 → (HOME) button → Scripts... NANDManager <LEFT> Transfer Emu to Sys


REPAIR

There is an off chance the 'alignment error' could refer to loosely connected or broken microSD card slot reader.

Try reseating or replacing the reader.
***

Replacement parts for the New 3DS (regular) model are hard to come by. In the coming years when n3DS motherboards become much harder to source, it would not be a surprise if hardcore enthusiasts who want to preserve their n3DS systems at all cost resort to extreme board level repairs.

It is possible to cannibalize major SMD components from (fully) hardbricked, donor n3DSXL motherboards and replace/solder these over to n3DS motherboards. Here's an example n3DS mobo mod that involves micro-soldering.

If the damage to the SMD components is limited to broken solder joints, it might be possible reflow the motherboard.
  • Refer to electronic specialist who work with rework station, electronic oven, solder flux, Kapton tape, BGA stencils, x-ray machine, microscope.
  • :!: Don't try to jerry DIY this. Kitchen oven that you bake food and eat from is not appropriate.

***

If you decide to replace the motherboard, be aware that you'll need to System Transfer or backup your titles & saves before the part swap.

***

Purchase link and repair guide for the n3DS motherboard.


REPLACE
Unless you intend to buy another n3DS (look around eBay, craigslist, Facebook market), Nintendo sells refurbished 3DS systems on their eBay and official stores. Check my signature.
 
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